OUR VIEW: Respect for our flag

Many of us have shed a tear at events when Old Glory is raised or lowered. We place our hand over our heart or salute as the Star Spangled Banner or other patriotic music is played.

Pride in our flag is something most Americans share.

But today with the Stars and Stripes adorning everything from running shorts to plastic cups, most of us have no understanding about how to show respect for our flag on a regular basis.

Flag Day is a good time to take a look at our flags and see if they need to be replaced. Flag Day is the anniversary of the Continental Congress's Flag Resolution on June 14, 1777. The resolution established the flag as having 13 alternating red and white stripes; and the white stars (13 at the time) on a blue field. Flag Day was officially established by the Proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson in 1916. And in 1949, President Harry Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14 of each year as National Flag Day.

Most of us mean no harm when we allow our flags displayed on our homes or atop flag poles at our businesses to become worn. But, truthfully, that is a sign of disrespect. We owe it to all those who fought for our flag — which the symbol of the freedom we enjoy — to ensure our old flag is either cleaned and mended, or retired and replaced when it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country.

The red, white and blue of Old Glory, no matter how small or large, should be vibrant — the edges crisp. A bright, fresh flag shows we continue to renew our belief in all that the Stars and Stripes stand for.

Here are some tips for displaying the flag:

On a vehicle - Attach the flag to the antenna or clamp the flagstaff to the right fender. Do not lay the flag over the vehicle.

On a building - Hang the flag on a staff or on a rope over the sidewalk with the stars away from the building.

Over the street - Hang the flag with the stars to the east on a north- south street or north on an east-west street.

Above other flags - Hang the flag above any other flag on the same pole

Other flags, separate poles - Hang all flags on equal poles. Hang the U.S. flag on its own right, hoist it first and lower it last.

In a window - Hang the flag vertically with the stars to the left of anyone looking at it from the street.

Half-staff - This is a sign of mourning. Raise the flag to the top of the pole then lower it to the half way point. Before lowering the flag, raise it to the top again at the end of the day.

Upside down - An upside-down flag is considered a distress signal.

Multiple staffs - If you display the flag on a staff with other flags around it, place the flag at the center and highest point. Crossed staffs - Keep the flagstaff higher and on its own right.

In a hall or lobby - Hang the flag vertically across from the main entrance with the stars to the left of anyone coming through the door.